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George William Grunshaw
George Grunshaw of Warrenside Close, Wilpshire, passed away peacefully in hospital on Sunday 12th November 2017, aged 76 years.
George started his working life as an apprentice painter and decorator at Blackburn CO-OP from 1956-1962, gaining many qualifications. He then worked for Shopfitters Lancashire Ltd, as a draughtsman to Lancashire Barfitters working his way up the ranks to Lead Designer of the bar section. He later formed an interior design company whose work included designing and developing the lounge and meeting rooms at St James’ Church in Blackburn. He then decided to share his knowledge with others and went into Lecturing in Interior Design. He set off lecturing firstly at Blackburn College and then later at Accrington & Rossendale College where he set up the interior design course up to degree standard. He also became an assessor for HNC/HND qualifications which took him all around the county. During this time he actively encouraged students to participate in the SkillBuild programme where he was honoured to be chosen to represent Accrington & Rossendale College at Buckingham Palace to receive the Queen’s Award For Industry. He was so proud to have been an instrumental part of the team achieving Grade 1 status in 4 consecutive years.
Throughout his life George has been an active member of St James’ Church in Blackburn and has raised over £215,000 over the years for numerous charities with the St James’ Day Tripper Team. He was also on the PCC and a school governor at St James’ School.
George was honoured to be asked by Paul Barton to be his Mayoral Consort when Paul became the Mayor of Hyndburn in 2009. A role which he undertook with great pride and dignity, representing the Borough proud.
He also greatly enjoyed painting and was a keen watercolour artist, up until quite recently he was the Watercolour Artist in Residence on Fred Olsen and P&O Cruises. He also worked closely along with the Head Patissier in designing the images for P&O’s, 175th Anniversary Cake. He also ran watercolour classes for beginners and undertook demonstrations for local art clubs.
George thoroughly enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others and was an inspiration to many people.
He enjoyed sports, especially football and in his younger days played semi-professionally for Darwen FC, Mellor FC and Bolton.
George was a wonderful husband to Merle, an amazing dad to Alison and Janine, a dear father in law to both Andy’s and a truly inspirational Bampa to Ciara and Emilia.
His funeral service will take place on Wednesday 22nd November, at 12noon at St James’ Church, St James’ Road, Blackburn followed by committal at Pleasington Crematorium. Colourful attire to be worn please to match George’s artistic flair.
Family flowers only please, but donations are welcome for either the British Heart Foundation, St James’ Church or the East Lancashire Hospice c/o Paul Barton at Barton & Hallworth Funeral Service, The Old Foxhill, 136-8 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle. BB5 3DR. Tel: 01254 390542.
Tonight George’s name popped into my head – he taught me interior design around 1993 at Blackburn College. I’m sad to learn that George has passed away after searching his name on the internet. I gave a photo of me and my peers in one of his classes. RIP George, you were a very talented man (I remember giving him many tubes of watercolour)